Stoke sign free agent Afellay

Ibrahim Afellay has become Stoke City's eighth close-season signing following his release by Barcelona.

Published

27 July 2015

Stoke City have announced the signing of Netherlands international Ibrahim Afellay on a two-year contract.

The 29-year-old winger had been searching for a new club since his release by Barcelona at the end of last season.

"It's no secret that Ibrahim was wanted by a number of clubs and we are understandably delighted that he has chosen to join us," said Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes.

"He's clearly excited about the prospect of playing in the Premier League and the fact that he knows so many players who are already at the club will no doubt help him settle into his new surroundings."

Afellay, who has 50 international caps to his name, arrived at Camp Nou from PSV in 2011 but never managed to become a regular part of the first-team set-up.

In fact, Afellay's last start for Barca in any competition came back in 2012 and he has subsequently spent loan spells at both Schalke and Olympiacos.